Has Anyone Walked the Great Wall of China?
One of the great wonders in the world, the Great Wall of China is also one of the best places to hike in China. Hundreds of thousands of people walk the wall every year to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of North China while dive deep into ancient Chinese history.
Challenges of Walking the Great Wall
If you're interested in walking the Great Wall of China, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, the wall is incredibly long, stretching over 13,000 miles. It's not a walk that can be completed in a day or even a week. The journey can take months to complete, depending on how much time you have and how far you want to walk each day.
Another thing to consider is the terrain. The Great Wall of China is not a smooth, flat path. It's a series of walls, towers, and fortifications built along mountain ridges and steep hillsides. Some parts of the wall are very steep and require climbing up and down stairs or ladders. Other parts are overgrown with vegetation or in disrepair, so you'll need to watch your step.
In addition, many parts of the Great Wall have been destroyed or severely damaged over time, which may lead to unexpected dangers and risks. So research or consult your travel consultant before you take a China Great Wall hiking trip.
Despite the challenges, walking the Great Wall of China can be a truly unforgettable experience. You'll get to see some of the most beautiful and remote parts of China, meet local people, and learn about the history and culture of this incredible country. If you're interested in trying it out for yourself, Mutianyu, Jinshanling and Simatai are the best sections of Great Wall to walk, hike and camp.
In short, walking the Great Wall of China is definitely possible, but it's not for the faint of heart. It requires physical fitness, determination, and a sense of adventure. If you're up for the challenge, however, it can be an experience of a lifetime.
Can You Walk the Entire Great Wall of China
While the idea of walking the Great Wall of China from end to end may seem like a daunting and impossible task, it is actually possible with enough planning and preparation. To start, one must consider the length of the Great Wall of China. The wall is over 13,000 miles long, stretching from the western part of China to the east coast. Walking the entire length of the wall would take months, if not years, and would require a great deal of physical endurance and mental stamina.
Notable Attempts to Walk the Entire Great Wall
Dong Yaohui – Chinese Pioneer (1984)
The first Chinese to walk the entire Great Wall were Dong Yaohui, Wu Deyu and Zhang Yuanhua. From 4 May 1984 to 24 September 1985, Dong Yaohui, together with Wu Deyu and Zhang Yuanhua, crossed the Gobi Desert, spent 508 days in the open air, and finally managed to reach the end of the Great Wall at Jiayuguan, completing the first expedition to the Great Wall.
William Lindesay – The First Foreigner’s Completion (1987)
British citizen William Lindesay (born in 1956) was the first foreigner to walk the entire Great Wall. In 1986, William traveled to the Great Wall for the first time and found out that walking the wall was more challenging than he had imagine. In the following year, he started his Great Wall journey from Jjiayuguan to Shanhaiguan, and finally complete the 2,470 km (about 1,530 miles) Great Wall run.
After the trek, William began to take part in the effort to protect the Great Wall and its environment. He wrote several books about the Great Wall, organized volunteers to pick up trash along the Great Wall, took the lead to support Great Wall research and repair.
FAQs about Walking the Great Wall of China
1. How Long would It Take to Walk the Entire Great Wall?
Since the Great Wall is seriously long, it would take 1.5–2 years to walk the entire length.
2. When is the Best Time to Visit the Great Wall?
The Great Wall offers different kind of beauty in different season. In general, spring and autumn are the best periods for visiting the Great Wall for mild weather and fewer crowds. However, you are recommended to avoid weekends and other national holidays.
3. Is It Dangerous to Hike Unrestored Sections?
The wild Great Wall allures hikers with its primitive beauty. But there are risks to trek the unrestored parts of the wall especially without professional guide. And it’s very dangerous to hike in rainy days.
Tour the Great Wall of China with Us
For those who are up for the challenge of walking the entire Great Wall of China, we provide Great Wall of China tours to make the journey possible or at least getting to the most parts of the wall. We also offer organized tailor-made tours of China that take hikers along various sections of the wall, allowing them to experience the beauty and grandeur of the wall while also providing support and guidance all along the way.